Rockliff's appointment applauded

TWO Coastal leaders have applauded the appointment of Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff as Minister for Education because of the importance of improving educational outcomes in the North-West.

Mersey MLC, Latrobe Mayor Mike Gaffney, a former school teacher, welcomed having Mr Rockliff in the education portfolio and Devonport Mayor Steve Martin said it was good for Braddon to have the education minster from the region.

Premier Will Hodgman switched Mr Rockliff from his shadow health portfolio, which went to shadow education spokesman Michael Ferguson.

"I think Jeremy has a broader view of the needs of education with his experience in Parliament and he has been given that role," Mr Gaffney said.

Mr Gaffney was not as concerned as some are to have just one minister appointed out of the four Liberal MHAs elected in Braddon.

"When you have a team of people you put your best players in key positions in a small state," Mr Gaffney said.

"However, I do feel people in the North-West have put their faith in the Liberal candidates and will have feelings on choices.

"I was surprised Matthew Groom and Jacquie Petrusma have spent the same time in Parliament [as Adam Brooks] and received positions in cabinet.

"But I think more proof will be in the Liberal Party upholding its pre-election commitments, and that's where the strength of the four North-West MPs will come to the fore."

Mr Gaffney said none of the four Liberal MHAs in Braddon were "shrinking violets."

Devonport Mayor Steve Martin said to have four elected members in the Liberal government from Braddon - and Jeremy Rockliff as Deputy Premier and Education Minister - was potentially good for the region.

"I'm of the belief education is extremely important in Braddon - it is the cornerstone to getting more people in jobs."

Alderman Martin said he would be seeking a meeting with new health minister, Michael Ferguson, to talk about the coming heads of agreement process regarding the Mersey Community Hospital in July.

THE RIGHT MAN: Two North-West mayors are happy with the appointment of Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff
(right) as
Education Minister. He is pictured with Premier Will Hodgman (centre), Resources Minister Paul Harriss
and
parliamentary secretary Adam Brooks (left) who were in Burnie yesterday. Picture: Grant Wells.